Well, no pictures to show today... although I did take several.
You might remember my previous ongoing saga of computer crashes. Well, I got a new HP laptop yesterday and now I have a much more stable system to operate with- YEAH ME! BUT... it doesn't have an integrated media card reader and for some reason it won't pull the images off the camera with the USB cable. So now I am trying to figure this all out... and I'm NOT a computer guy, so it is painful. So we find ourselves in a position where I am at least temporarily unable to show you my socks or my goofy head. DAMN!
For the record though, I am wearing cool socks today- Kegger.
Also, I will be traveling with my sales rep, Dennis Barrett, in Los Angeles tomorrow. So there might not be any posting until Friday. Don't run off thinking I've abandoned the place because I haven't. I'll be back... and hopefully with pictures too.
Tim
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Daily Drive- Feel the love...
Once again the Masidaughter is the star of the show!
SockGuy sock dujour- Big Rooster... it's a wordplay thing, just think about it.Lastly, Tim Grahl, my buddy at Crooked Cog, has blasted me pretty good with a video tribute to the Daily Drive... it's freakin' hilarious! (Thanks buddy!)
Tim
Monday, December 11, 2006
Pedal
A teammate of mine sent me a great gift today (thank you Noah) and I just have to rave about it for a moment...
Today I got a package in the mail that contained the movie and accompanying photo book Pedal. The movie is a documentary about New York City bicycle messengers. Right there, that alone makes it pretty darned cool, but this documentary is done so amazingly well that you are sucked in and riveted to the characters from the very beginning. New York is full of characters, but NYC messengers are some of the most incredible and entertaining of them all. Not to mention how intense their stories are. The footage of riders is enough to make you sweat and twitch from start to finish, but the stories being told are equally as gripping. The film was originally aired in 2001 and then was purchased by the Sundance Channel in 2004 and aired there, so it is not exactly new. Outside of the messenger world though, the documentary is still somewhat unknown. Hopefully that changes.
Whether you ever ride a fixed gear bike or have any interest in messengers, I highly recommend this movie. I've seen lots and lots of documentaries over the years and this simple 56 minute film is so deeply engrossing and compelling that you are left wishing for more.
It isn't for the faint of heart though, so be prepared. The bike footage is fantastic and the interviews are so compelling and genuine that you really do bond to the messengers and the lives they live.
So if you are looking for a gift for a cyclist in your life, or simply looking to add something to your own collection, go out and buy this fantastic and amazing documentary. It won't let you down, until you realize it's over and you want more.
Thanks again Noah- I really appreciate the thoughtful gift.
Tim
Today I got a package in the mail that contained the movie and accompanying photo book Pedal. The movie is a documentary about New York City bicycle messengers. Right there, that alone makes it pretty darned cool, but this documentary is done so amazingly well that you are sucked in and riveted to the characters from the very beginning. New York is full of characters, but NYC messengers are some of the most incredible and entertaining of them all. Not to mention how intense their stories are. The footage of riders is enough to make you sweat and twitch from start to finish, but the stories being told are equally as gripping. The film was originally aired in 2001 and then was purchased by the Sundance Channel in 2004 and aired there, so it is not exactly new. Outside of the messenger world though, the documentary is still somewhat unknown. Hopefully that changes.
Whether you ever ride a fixed gear bike or have any interest in messengers, I highly recommend this movie. I've seen lots and lots of documentaries over the years and this simple 56 minute film is so deeply engrossing and compelling that you are left wishing for more.
It isn't for the faint of heart though, so be prepared. The bike footage is fantastic and the interviews are so compelling and genuine that you really do bond to the messengers and the lives they live.
So if you are looking for a gift for a cyclist in your life, or simply looking to add something to your own collection, go out and buy this fantastic and amazing documentary. It won't let you down, until you realize it's over and you want more.
Thanks again Noah- I really appreciate the thoughtful gift.
Tim
The return of "5 Things"...
My good friend and Editor in Chief (Ann Handley) at The Marketing Profs;Daily Fix has tagged me with the yearly "5 Things" list of things you might not know about me. I did this last year as well, so this seems to be a yearly December tradition.
1) I am an ordained minister. I use "ordained" very loosely as the ordination comes via the Beer Church and the Universal Life Church. I am, however, legally able to perform weddings in the state of California, so keep me in mind. As I know some real ministers, please forgive me.
2) When I was in 9th grade, I hit 6 feet tall. It was a while later that I cracked 100 pounds... yeah, I was a babe magnet.
3) My other passion is writing, specifically poetry. For a few years, I wrote nearly all day every day. In the early 90's, I worked in a coffee house/ art gallery and did countless poetry readings. To this day, I dream of finally publishing a book of my poetry and having it reviewed by the New Yorker or having a single poem published in it. (Robert Creeley is my all-time favorite poet.)
4) I have buried a fish hook into every finger on my hands, my cheek just below my right eye and in the back of my head. The one in the back of my head was with a lure I borrowed from my uncle, so I was scared I'd have to cut the hook off and give it to my uncle minus a hook. I was also fishing when I was supposed to be at home doing homework, so my mom was really pissed when I called her and she took me to the doctor to get the lure removed from my dumbass head. (She still remembers this too... don't you Mom?)
5) When I was a small child/ toddler, I grabbed a jar of Vaseline while I was in my crib and smeared my entire body with it, as well as my hair. My Mom says it took days to get the stuff out of my hair.
BONUS; I have fractured my left elbow, fractured 6 ribs, broken my right clavicle, fractured a few fingers and gotten more stitches than I can possibly count... and yet I'm still alive, even if only by the sheer grace of God/ Allah/ Budha/ Yoda.
So now, who will read this to see they have been tagged in return? Paul, Chris, Nick, Phil, Gilby (since you got me last year)- it's your turn now!
Tim
1) I am an ordained minister. I use "ordained" very loosely as the ordination comes via the Beer Church and the Universal Life Church. I am, however, legally able to perform weddings in the state of California, so keep me in mind. As I know some real ministers, please forgive me.
2) When I was in 9th grade, I hit 6 feet tall. It was a while later that I cracked 100 pounds... yeah, I was a babe magnet.
3) My other passion is writing, specifically poetry. For a few years, I wrote nearly all day every day. In the early 90's, I worked in a coffee house/ art gallery and did countless poetry readings. To this day, I dream of finally publishing a book of my poetry and having it reviewed by the New Yorker or having a single poem published in it. (Robert Creeley is my all-time favorite poet.)
4) I have buried a fish hook into every finger on my hands, my cheek just below my right eye and in the back of my head. The one in the back of my head was with a lure I borrowed from my uncle, so I was scared I'd have to cut the hook off and give it to my uncle minus a hook. I was also fishing when I was supposed to be at home doing homework, so my mom was really pissed when I called her and she took me to the doctor to get the lure removed from my dumbass head. (She still remembers this too... don't you Mom?)
5) When I was a small child/ toddler, I grabbed a jar of Vaseline while I was in my crib and smeared my entire body with it, as well as my hair. My Mom says it took days to get the stuff out of my hair.
BONUS; I have fractured my left elbow, fractured 6 ribs, broken my right clavicle, fractured a few fingers and gotten more stitches than I can possibly count... and yet I'm still alive, even if only by the sheer grace of God/ Allah/ Budha/ Yoda.
So now, who will read this to see they have been tagged in return? Paul, Chris, Nick, Phil, Gilby (since you got me last year)- it's your turn now!
Tim
Daily Drive
A pretty morning with the pretty Masidaughter...
... and I am not a doper- no matter what they say.
SockGuy sock dujour;
The "Flying F"... just give it a thought and you'll figure it out.
Tim
... and I am not a doper- no matter what they say.
SockGuy sock dujour;
The "Flying F"... just give it a thought and you'll figure it out.
Tim
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Saturday ride...
I almost never get out and ride on the weekends because I feel that I owe the weekends to my family, since I spend so much time at work and working at home each night. The weekends belong to them. However, now and again the time and circumstances work out so that I actually do get out and ride. Usually it's a short hour+ loop that I enjoy, which is what I got to do today.
The family was off at a birthday party, so I got offered the chance to go ride later in the afternoon. I scrambled to find some clean gear and headed out the door for a great loop that runs along a peninsula (Point Loma) that helps to create the San Diego Bay and is also home to the Navy and the Fort Rosecrans military cemetery (which is where my Grandfather and Grandmother are buried- so I stopped to visit them as well).
My Grandparents were pretty special to me, so I visit them every time I go out on Point Loma. It's such a beautiful view of the ocean on one side and the bay on the other.
In the distance is the San Diego downtown area.
It was great to get out for a nice spin to keep the legs fresh. Sales pitch time; it is rides like the one today that make me really appreciate the ride quality of my 3VC carbon frame. It simply kicks ass on the rough roads this loop offers. It is stiff enough that I can climb out of the saddle or sprint without noticable flex from the back end, but it is also really plush over the bad stuff. One of the biggest reasons for that ride quality is the shape and curve of the seat stays. The curve of the stays aids in increasing rear brake power since the stays can not flex back toward the seat tube when you apply the rear brake. The curve also hellps to keep the rear wheel in contact with the ground, sort of like a spring. It's something you can actually feel in the ride... not just me waxing poetic with the marketing speak. Ok... I'm done with that.
So needless to say, I had a nice ride. After the ride, I headed out to pick up the family from the birthday party.
This is what San Diego looks like from the Coronado Bay Bridge;
It was a not-so-bad day today.
And the SockGuy sock dujour today?
You can not go wrong with classy argyle socks... ever!
And... Skinny... I'm coming to get you!
Bring it!
Tim
The family was off at a birthday party, so I got offered the chance to go ride later in the afternoon. I scrambled to find some clean gear and headed out the door for a great loop that runs along a peninsula (Point Loma) that helps to create the San Diego Bay and is also home to the Navy and the Fort Rosecrans military cemetery (which is where my Grandfather and Grandmother are buried- so I stopped to visit them as well).
My Grandparents were pretty special to me, so I visit them every time I go out on Point Loma. It's such a beautiful view of the ocean on one side and the bay on the other.
In the distance is the San Diego downtown area.It was great to get out for a nice spin to keep the legs fresh. Sales pitch time; it is rides like the one today that make me really appreciate the ride quality of my 3VC carbon frame. It simply kicks ass on the rough roads this loop offers. It is stiff enough that I can climb out of the saddle or sprint without noticable flex from the back end, but it is also really plush over the bad stuff. One of the biggest reasons for that ride quality is the shape and curve of the seat stays. The curve of the stays aids in increasing rear brake power since the stays can not flex back toward the seat tube when you apply the rear brake. The curve also hellps to keep the rear wheel in contact with the ground, sort of like a spring. It's something you can actually feel in the ride... not just me waxing poetic with the marketing speak. Ok... I'm done with that.
So needless to say, I had a nice ride. After the ride, I headed out to pick up the family from the birthday party.
This is what San Diego looks like from the Coronado Bay Bridge;
It was a not-so-bad day today.And the SockGuy sock dujour today?
You can not go wrong with classy argyle socks... ever!And... Skinny... I'm coming to get you!
Bring it!Tim
Friday, December 08, 2006
The boys are back in town...
As mentioned yesterday, Chad Thompson and Ryan Gamm from the A&F/ Inferno team were in town Wednesday afternoon through this morning. Chad and Ryan were also accompanied by Chad's father Bruce, who handles all of their legal issues, and Matt Olson, the creative genius.
Chad and Ryan were here specifically to meet with Canari to get the team's new kits set up and try out the clothing. They were also here to work out the details of what clothing would be needed for the coming season attacking the NRC calendar and some other major events; it's no small feat to outfit a team of 16+ riders for an entire year of racing everything from crits to road races to stage races to time trials to track events in conditions ranging from hot to cold to rain to snow. Canari is my former employer and they are still great friends of mine, so I am double happy with this arrangement; the team is getting great gear from good friends. That's a good gig! And, just so you kow, they were very happy with the clothing they got to ride in.
I got to get out for a short ride Wednesday with the guys. Basically I escorted them the couple miles from our office to their hotel. Then I had to bug out of work early to go pick up The Princess from school.
This picture was taken about an hour before Chad had the crash in the parking lot that I promised I wouldn't mention because he fell on his butt and possibly cracked his tail bone. But since I promised I wouldn't mention it, I can't tell you how he was goofing off and did a badly timed wheelie that put him on his buns just inches in front of the hotel door. (Don't worry man, your secret is totally safe with me.)
Thursday morning I met the guys at the hotel so we could get out for a good ride before I headed in to the office. Chad's tail bone was sore for some reason, so he was a little concerned about spending time in the saddle... I don't know why. Canari set them up with some good cool weather gear since the morning air was pretty chilly, though it was a beautiful sunny day and would eventually warm up nicely.
I'm not exactly sure why Ryan is grimacing, but he was staring past me to the ocean and the rolling waves.
As you can see, it was a pretty crappy morning in SoCal. Chad and Lynn from Canari heading up our little peloton.
Here's Ryan doing the tourist thing getting his picture taken at the beach in December with surfers in the background. He wanted to capture the moment- something about rubbing it in the faces of his friends at home... something like that.
This is a rare image- Chad on his cell phone. This almost never happens... NOT! As it turns out though, on this particular call, Chad was speaking to a newly signed rider from England. (More details to follow.)
Lynn, Ryan and Chad (still on the phone with England).
The ride was about 3.5 hours and we had perfect weather the entire time. For the record; 1) Chad and I are both sprinters and track riders. As such, it was invariable that at some point or another that he and I would end up playing "who's faster" and sprinting. 2) The sprint was close, almost too close to call, but deep in Chad's heart he knows who won (me)... just ask Ryan. (Something tells me he might have thrown the sprint to make the old, fat, out of shape sponsor feel better about himself... but said sponsor is not complaining.)
Friday the guys rode without me, but I swung by the hotel to pick up the bikes they were riding and to give Gamm-bino his present I promised him at training camp back in February. He didn't get the pink camo booties I promised, but he got a few other cool trinkets for his fast little feet. He was happy... I think I saw a tear.
So it was great having the guys in town for a few days. Thanks to Canari for arranging the trip out west and allowing me a little time with the guys. Seriously people, this is a team of great guys who I really enjoyed working with in 2006 and 2007 is only going to be that much better. I will have a bunch of team news coming soon; full press releases on the team and sponsors and new rider bios like last year. Training camp is in Macon, GA in February and will be fantastic, so stay tuned for that report as well. '07 is going to be one fantastic year for the team and its riders, so I recommend keeping an eye out for them... just look for the coolest team kit in the US Pro peloton (possibly anywhere for that matter).
Tim
Chad and Ryan were here specifically to meet with Canari to get the team's new kits set up and try out the clothing. They were also here to work out the details of what clothing would be needed for the coming season attacking the NRC calendar and some other major events; it's no small feat to outfit a team of 16+ riders for an entire year of racing everything from crits to road races to stage races to time trials to track events in conditions ranging from hot to cold to rain to snow. Canari is my former employer and they are still great friends of mine, so I am double happy with this arrangement; the team is getting great gear from good friends. That's a good gig! And, just so you kow, they were very happy with the clothing they got to ride in.
I got to get out for a short ride Wednesday with the guys. Basically I escorted them the couple miles from our office to their hotel. Then I had to bug out of work early to go pick up The Princess from school.
This picture was taken about an hour before Chad had the crash in the parking lot that I promised I wouldn't mention because he fell on his butt and possibly cracked his tail bone. But since I promised I wouldn't mention it, I can't tell you how he was goofing off and did a badly timed wheelie that put him on his buns just inches in front of the hotel door. (Don't worry man, your secret is totally safe with me.)Thursday morning I met the guys at the hotel so we could get out for a good ride before I headed in to the office. Chad's tail bone was sore for some reason, so he was a little concerned about spending time in the saddle... I don't know why. Canari set them up with some good cool weather gear since the morning air was pretty chilly, though it was a beautiful sunny day and would eventually warm up nicely.
I'm not exactly sure why Ryan is grimacing, but he was staring past me to the ocean and the rolling waves.
As you can see, it was a pretty crappy morning in SoCal. Chad and Lynn from Canari heading up our little peloton.
Here's Ryan doing the tourist thing getting his picture taken at the beach in December with surfers in the background. He wanted to capture the moment- something about rubbing it in the faces of his friends at home... something like that.
This is a rare image- Chad on his cell phone. This almost never happens... NOT! As it turns out though, on this particular call, Chad was speaking to a newly signed rider from England. (More details to follow.)
Lynn, Ryan and Chad (still on the phone with England).The ride was about 3.5 hours and we had perfect weather the entire time. For the record; 1) Chad and I are both sprinters and track riders. As such, it was invariable that at some point or another that he and I would end up playing "who's faster" and sprinting. 2) The sprint was close, almost too close to call, but deep in Chad's heart he knows who won (me)... just ask Ryan. (Something tells me he might have thrown the sprint to make the old, fat, out of shape sponsor feel better about himself... but said sponsor is not complaining.)
Friday the guys rode without me, but I swung by the hotel to pick up the bikes they were riding and to give Gamm-bino his present I promised him at training camp back in February. He didn't get the pink camo booties I promised, but he got a few other cool trinkets for his fast little feet. He was happy... I think I saw a tear.
So it was great having the guys in town for a few days. Thanks to Canari for arranging the trip out west and allowing me a little time with the guys. Seriously people, this is a team of great guys who I really enjoyed working with in 2006 and 2007 is only going to be that much better. I will have a bunch of team news coming soon; full press releases on the team and sponsors and new rider bios like last year. Training camp is in Macon, GA in February and will be fantastic, so stay tuned for that report as well. '07 is going to be one fantastic year for the team and its riders, so I recommend keeping an eye out for them... just look for the coolest team kit in the US Pro peloton (possibly anywhere for that matter).
Tim
Daily Drive- Late edition
(I know I am hours past due... so stop bugging me already!)
This picture almost manages to hide the fact that I need to shave... almost. It was a nice sunny morning in between patches of near white-out fog.
SockGuy sock dujour...
Something for the ladies- Pink Flames! Admit it- you want some!
Tim
This picture almost manages to hide the fact that I need to shave... almost. It was a nice sunny morning in between patches of near white-out fog.
SockGuy sock dujour...
Something for the ladies- Pink Flames! Admit it- you want some!
Tim
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Daily Drive/Ride
Another day at the office...The two good-lookin guys are Chad Thompson and Ryan Gamm from the A&F/ Inferno Pro Development team that I proudly sponsor. Ryan won a couple races this year and Chad is the Boss/ Team Director (and father to be... congrats). The boys are out meeting with Canari Cyclewear, my former employers and friends, as they will be the team's new clothing supplier for 2007! Cool...
More to follow.
And though you can't see them, the SockGuy sock dujour is... Evil!
Tim
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Daily Drive
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